The sight is forever seared in my mind, an elderly gentleman with feces encrusted fingers, wrapping his arms around Chandra's neck as she lifted him out of the bed and into the wheelchair. In the most awkward of moments, they were laughing about the fact that he didn't think she could pick him up but that she could. Chandra picked him up with ease, grace and probably an internal cringe that never made it to her face. This gentleman was a veteran that was missing parts of both legs due to his service, and she provided dignity and respect in the most humbling of ways.
When I interviewed Chandra, I knew she was going to make an incredible addition to our team! Chandra was coming back to nursing after some personal struggles and was very honest and up front about her challenges and the hurdles she had surmounted to get back into nursing. Chandra walked onto our unit, and it was like she had always worked psych. Chandra has an innate ability to connect with people, people in any walk of like, with all types of challenges, torments, or delusions. Her love, humor, and of course her endless laughter, brings joy to our patients and staff members alike. Chandra is the type of nurse that I would want to care for my loved one or family member, and we are all blessed to have her here at Parkridge Valley West to care for our patients.
Thanks Chandra for being part of our team, for being an inspiration to your co-workers, and for all you do every day.